Newspaper Page Text
BY GRIEVE & ORME, State Printers.]
MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1S40
[NO. 33—VOL. XXI
'Cy '’’he Recorder is published weekly, on Hancock
street, nearly opposite the Masonic Hall, at THREE Dol-
i vttsper annum, payable in advance, or Four Dollars
it’ ml paid before the end of the year. No paper sent out
,h the State, to any new subscriber, without being first paid
fur in advance . . , .
Advertisements conspicuously inserted at the u6uat
rates. Those sent without a specification of the number of
insertions, will be published until ordered oct, and charge
U Sams oTUnd and negroes, by Administrators, Executors
or Lxiiardians, are required by law to be held onthe Erst
Tuesday in the month, between the hours of ten lh ^ fore
n ,an and three in the afternoon, at the Court-house of the
c-unty in which the property is simate.-Notices of these
L es must be given in a public gazette slaty days prev.ous
tl,l s ; m!cL°Cofdie sale of personal property must be given
. r.mrv (J ivs previous to the day ot sale.—
;n Use manner, forty *
4l! , „ 0 ti C e to the debtors and creditors of an esLate must be
nub'in'ip 1 for forty days.
Notice that application will be made to the Court of Ordina-
• , r i eave to sell laud, must, be published for Four. MONTHS.
' All business in the line of pristinc., will meet with
prompt mention at the RECORDER OFFICE.
j ktteRS (on business! must be post-paid.
V our readers, in requestingthe direction or their pa-
T -handed from one Post Office to another, are desired, in
*rv instance, in making such requests,to inform us as well
f the name of the Post Office from which they desire it
changed, as that to which they may thereafter wish it sent.
h N ACT to alter the 3d ,7tli and 12th sections of the first
\ "article, and the 1st, 2d and 3 I sections of tl.e 3d article
a-.d the 15th section of the 4th article of the Constitution of
1 "Whereas a part of the 3d section of the 1st article or the
( our itution is in the following words viz: The Senate
..ball be elected annuallv : and a part ol the 7th section of
the 1st article, is in .he following words: The Representa
tives shall be chosen annually; and a part of the 12th sec-
, i ,.f the 1st article is in the following words: The meeting
,jf, „. General Assembly shall be annually ; And ichcrcaa a
m t of the 3d section of tbe 3d article is in the following
' rd --: There shall be a State's Attorney and Solicitor ap-
. ,i nt ,.,| by the Legislaiure and commissioned by the Gov-
, n <r, who shall hold their office for the term of three years ;
n 1 a part of the 15th section of the 4th article is in the fol
lowing words: The same shall be published at least six
months previous to tbe next ensuing annual election, for
members of the General Assembly: And whereas the before
recited clauses require amendments—
Section 1- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Ttcprc-
f ., ilat res of the State of Georgia in General Assembly met and
,7 is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, Thai so soon as
this act shall have passed, agreeably to tbe requisitions of
.| !e Constitution, the following shall be adopted in lieu ot
the foregoing c auses: In the 3d section of the 1st article,
tie following, to wit: The Senate shall be elected bi-annually.
a f ier the passage of this act ; the first election to take place
on the first Monday in tbe year one thousand eight hundred
rod forty-three. In lieu of the 7th section of the 1st article,
the following: The Representatives shall be elected bi-an-
n.tally after the passage of this act, the first election to take
place fin the first Monday in October, in the year one thou
sand eignt hundred and forty three ; and in lieu of the clause
; n t \ie 12th section of the 1st artic.e, the following : The meet-
urn of the General Assembly shall be bi-annually, aftet the
passag of this act, on the first Monday in November. And
in lieu of the clause in tbe 3d section of the 3d article, the
tVilowintr, to wit: There shall be a State’s Attorney and So
licitor elected by tbe Legislature, who shall hold their office
fur the term of four years; and in lieu of the clause in the
13th section of the 4th article, the following : The same shall
be published at least six months previous to the next ensuing
hi annual election for members of the General Assembly ;
the provisions of this act not to go into ettect until the year
one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
SEC. 2. And be. it further enacted bg the authority aforesaid,
That whenever it shall so happen that the term of office of any
of the .1 udges, State’s Attorney oi Solicitors, shall expire at
any time during the recess of the General Assembly, then
and in that case it shall be the duty of his Excellency the
Governor to till such vacancy, by appointment, until the
next General Assembly thereafter to be held, when suc.i
vacan-y shall be filled by election by the Legislature, until
tbe next election of Judges, Stale’s Attorney or Solicitois
shall take place. JO SEPH DAY,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
ROBERT M. ECHOLS,
President of the Senate.
Assented to. December 23d, 18.39.
CHARLES J. McDONALD, Governor.
March 31, 1840. 11 6m
CENTRAL BANK A«ENCT.
rfAHE undersigned offer their services as agents ill the
J. renewal of Notes at the Central Bank. They will at
tend to all Notes entrusted to their care, lor the customary
fee of one dollar; also, to the taking out and forwarding
Grants at one dollar each.
They will also attend to the offering of Notes for discount,
at the distribution of the Central Bank, advertised to com
mence on the 16tli July, and all orders in regard to the dis
position of the money will be promptly attended to.
rrp Letters enclosing notes or money must be post paid.
THOMAS RAGLAND,
THO. H. HALL.
Milledgeville, June 16, 1840. 22 tf
£3= The Columbus Enquirer and Sentinel and Herald,
will insert three times^
CENTRAL BANK OF GEORGIA.
Milledgeville, 11th June, 1840.
S w ESOLVED, That a distribution of seven hundred and
V fifty thousand dollars be made among the several coun-
i ,. s 0 ftb'is State, to be loaned on accommodation notes, which
may be offered for discount on the days and in the order
stated in tbe foilwing table, viz :
Thursday. 16/A July.
WESTERN fc ATLANTIC RAILROAD.
Report of Col. 8, II. LONG, late Chief Engi
neer of the Western & Atlautic Railroad.
Marietta, July 23, 1340.
To His Excellency Charles J. McDonald,
Governor o f Georgia :
Sir—I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of my
lenih Quarterly Report to the Commissioners of the West
ern und Atlantic Railroad, in reference to the progress ol
the work on the Road during the 2d Quarier of 1840, and
embracing a summary exhibit of all the work done in fur
therance ol the construction of the Road from its com- |
mencement to the 1st of July of the current year, together
with a brief exposition of the plan of administration adopted
in relation to its construction.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant.
S. H. LONG,
Late Chief Engineer.
Office of Western & Atlantic Railroad, )
Marietta, July 15, 1840. J
To the Board of Commissioners
of the Western and Atlantic Railroad:
Gentlemen—I now have the honor to submit my tenth
Quarterly Report in reference to the progress made in the
construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad during
the second quarter of 1840, together with sundry accom
panying documents explaining in detail the nature, quan
tity, cost, and condition of the work performed on account
of the Railroad.
All requisite details relating to the progressof the work,
are exhibited in the Quarterly Abstract herewith submitted,
(see document marked A.) to which 1 take leave to refer
for all information relative to the quantity and cost of
work done on the several sections of the road.
From this document it appears that the aggregate amount
of grading executed during the quarter, is 422,267 cubic
yards; that the aggregate of Masonry executed, is 4,995
perches; Lhat the quantity of bridge timber procured and
delivered, is 229,507 feet* Bd. measure; that the extent
of bridge Framing is 992 feet Lin. measure ; and that ihe
quantity of Iron procured for Bridges, is 40,118 pounds.
From the same document it also appears that the amount
chargeable agreeably to contracts on account ot the work
done, materials furnished, Ac.. as above stated, is $117,-
033 40 ; that the amount payable is $99,114 57 ; and that
the amount reserved for security is $17,918 83.
From the official statement in reference to final estimates
herew ith Submitted, marked B. it appears that, the amount
of balances payable-on account ol work inspected and ac
cepted during the quarter, is $28,500 06. 1 his amount
added to the amount payable 1 as before stated, viz: $99,
114 57, gives for the aggregate amount payable on contracts
during the quarter, $127,614 63.
From my report of July 10th, in reference to expendi
tures in the Engineer Department, and also the services of
the Chief Engineer, it appears that the amount expended
on these accounts, is $3,122 87. This amount, added to
the aggregate amount, payable on contracts as before stated,
viz: $127,614 63, gives for the aggregate amount expend
ed on account of constructions during the quarter, $135,-
737 50.
In order to exhibit a connected view of the expenses in
curred on the work of construction from its commence
ment to the beginning oi the current quarter, I take leave
to present the following summary of liabilities and expen
ditures :—
Aggregate amount chargeable for work done
agreeably to contracts, $1,599,722 58
do. payable do.. 1,536.778 80
do. of balances reserved do.... 62,943 /6
Hence if in the am’t. payable as above, viz. 1,536,788 80
We add the aggregate cost ot Engineering,
. superintendence and contingencies, 80,654 83
Also the amount paid on account ot Rail
Iron, Car W heels, Ac 9,632 86
We shall have for the aggregate amount J ^07 Q66 49
of expenditures prior to July 1, 1340. y ’ ’
In order to present a more detailed view ot the quarterly
expenditures incurred ou account of constructions inclusive
of Engineering and contingent expenses, I take leave to
subjoin the following
• a i: is - * u w
; r ao ; y : co
is co M —
s. 3 - -i
County.
Appling,
B.iker,
Baldwin,
Bibb,
Bryan,
Bulloch,
Burke,
Butts,
Amount.
$2,372
3.013
7,183
10,136
2,904
3,836
12,521
6.106
County.
Camden,
Campbell,
Carroll,
Cass,
Chatham,
Cherokee,
Chattooga,
Clarke,
Amount.
5,606
5,912
5.104
8,251
21.354
5,598
4,224
11,103
o © c © —
: rf- — p
ibab
to 00 Oi
ci ci bi
1 12
. t= 00 to 13 II
: O co ti -» co
05
r ^
S.- £
ft. "0
«. r J\
I 2
<0^
* a
f »
2 u
• If
C3 >
C\.Lb.
Thursday. 30ft July.
7,540 1 Dooly,
4,991
W
Columbia,
lt,069
Early,
4,953
Coweta,
11,534
Effingham,
2.775
Crawford,
8.712
Elbert,
12,479
Decatur,
5,546
Emanuel,
3,621
co
13,196
Fayette,
7,513
Dade,
1,119
Floyd,
4,224
w ►k W v l Cl o
CO sfc. — cc 13 ©
13 p I5W-H
© © *© ©. © M
^ 13 i3 ZeD
© N wA © p
~ © CC S © CO
cn~ ~ S
Thursday, 20/& August.
Forsyth,
F ranklin,
Gilmer,
Gl\ »n,
Greene,
Harris,
Heard,
Henry,
Houston,
Irwin,
Lee,
Liberty,
Lincoln,
Lowndes,
Lumpkin,
Macon,
Murray,
Muscogee,
Newton,
Oglethorpe,
I’aulding,
6.359
Gwinnett.
13,495
11.650
Habersham,
9,972 |
1,990
Hall,
9,881 |
3,899
Hancock,
10.099
11,349
rsdoy, 2d September.
13,962 ;
14,863
Jackson,
5,602
Jasper,
12.040
14,762
Jefferson,
6,087
13,177
Jones,
10,473
2,182
Laurens,
6.035
sday, 17th September.
5.179
3,510
Marion,
6.812
McIntosh,
5.266
6.179
Meriwether,
16,123
5,£49
Monroe,
15.594
7,592
Montgomery,
2,521
5,417
5,613
Morgan,
9,877
rsday. Is/ October.
4,051
Pike,
10,191
17.641
Pulaski,
5,399
13.795
Putnam,
11,507
11,691
Kabon,
2,494
2.981
Randolph,
7,137
J m
co •— 1 i? izi *— *-*
^ I © © cc © — c: ©- © Oi m
o I © © © p p © P © 13 ''J
— I *— © © "© © © CC © ©
© I t-scorfft-oiccoNoi
iw ]3 tU “
CO w t— o Cl © or
© oc a: © © © ©
p EL
£ H
Thursday, 15th Ortalter.
Richmond,
13,875
Tattnall,
Srriven,
5,132
Telfair,
Stewart,
11,463
Thomas,
Sumter,
4.882
Troup,
Talbot,
15,844
Twiggs,
Taliaferro,
5,006
Thursday,
Union,
9/ft October
Upson,
14.957
Washington
Walker,
5,484
Wayne,
Walton,
11 984
Wilkes,
j Wilkinson,
Ware,
Warren,
2,598
11,140
2,949
3,147
6.591
16,624
8.827
2,935
10,806
1,704
11,235
7,653
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
The law requires that the money appropriated to each
county shall be loaned only to tbe citizens ot such counties
respectively, anil that the endorsers, as well as tbe makers
of notes, shall be residents of tbe county. Tbe Board will
therefore require in each case a certificate of residence, both
of the makers and endorsers ; which may be signed by any
civil officer of the county, But if tbe money appropriated
to tiie counties respectively, shall not be applied for and
loaned within thirty days from the offering days above speci
fied, then the above requirement of tbe law in relation to tbe
residence of endorses ceases; and alter that time a certificate
of residence of the maker only, will be required.
All notes must be made payable at the Central Bank of
Georgia, three hundred and sixty days after date, and must
have two nr more good endorsers.
Every note presented for discount must be accompanied with a
written affidavit of the maker, in which he shall state that the note
offered is for the only use and benefit of him, the maker, and not
fur the use, benefit, or interest, of any other person, or persons
whatsoever; which affidavit shall be certified by a magistrate or
other officer legally authorised to administer said oath.
Certificates ot the taxable property of the makers and en
dorsers of the notes offered, will be regarded as the best ev
idence of their solvency.
No note will be discounted having on it the name of any
person indebted to the State, either as principal or security,
which debt is due and unsettled ; or who is the maker of. or
endorser on, any note or bill heretofore discounted by the
Central Bank, and which is past due and unattended to.
No note will beteceived lor discount after the hour of nine
o’clock, A. M. of the days above specified.
The proceeds of the discounted notes will be paid to the
check of the last endorser only.
By order of the Board of Directors.
_ A. M. NISBET, Caslfr.
June 16. 25 if
“ 03
© *©
03 ©
to o
a: ©
cc©vt,_.__ co© on
i— © co 03 © oo "co
to © to © —-t CO OC Ot —
to 03 to co © to © ©
—
< 5.
n
2. pi
c S (5
3 *2
*•2
S2
g-M
2
c* CTQ
io
C51
fc-
Snmmary Recapitulation of Expenditures on account
of Construction, Engineering, Sj-c.
Amount payable on account Constructions, $1,340,164 36
“ “ on final estimates, 196,614 44
o for rail Iron, CorWheels, &c. 9,632 86
“ “ for Engineering, &c. 80,654 83
Amounting to. $1,627,066 49
In farther explanation of the progress of the work du
ring the second Quarter of 1840, and of its condition at
the close of the Quarter, 1 take leave to introduce the fol
lowing extracts from the Repuits of the Resident Engi
neers, which contain various items of information proper
to be submitted at this time.
Mr. Stork ton, who has been charged with the direction
and supervision of all operations on the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th
Residencies, embtacing 11 distance of more than sixty-five
miles, reports us follows :—
•* During the past quarter, the gradingand masonry on
this part of the road, has progressed with all reasonable
dispatch. Sections No. 4 and 5 of the first, No. 15 of the
second, and No. 8 of the third division, have been com
pleted and accepted—the superstructures of the Whet
stone, Anns, and Allatoona Creek Viaducts have been
finished; two spans of the Etowah Viaduct have been
raised, and the Chattahoochee Viaduct completed, except
the calking, paving, and white-washing, all of which it is
contemplated to finish during the ensuing month.
“ The masonry remaining to be executed under the con
tracts of 1838, is now confined to the Vining and Etowah
Viaducts; of the latter a small part of the Eastern abut
ment only remains unfinished, and at the former, the Wes
tern abutment and two piers have not been commenced.
These structures are, however, in the hands of efficient
and energetic contractors, and will be advanced as rapidly
as is consistent, due regard being had to their liability and
appearance.
“ In the masonry already erected on this j art of the
Railroad, defects have been discovered, wl)i< h in some
instances will induce a reconstruction ol the abutments
fi um their foundations, and necessitate material alterations
and repairs to it generally. These defects have resulted
from causes which could not have been foreseen or pro
vided against; stone, to all appearance good, have been
found to exfoliate and decompose, after exposure to the at
mosphere, and have become friable and disintegrated to
such an extent as to crush under the heavy weights imposed
upon them in some of the abutments. Of this defective
material, it appears, tliat the abutments of the Noonday
Viaduct are constructed, and a small amount of a similar
kind of stone was used in the masonry ot the Proctor
Creek abutments. Such has become the derangement of
the former work, thut I should deem it unsafe to rely upon
it to sustain the superstructure, or even to resist the pres
sure of the adjoining embankment for any length of time.
The repairs which had become unavoidable at this point
(the Noonday Viaduct.) may he reduced to a trifling
amount in cost when compared to the advantages which will
result to the work by diminishing the length of the Bridge,
arid advancing the Western abutment about 120 feet, and
I would respectfully request that some early action be had
on the subject.
•‘in several of my former Reports, the situation of the
Deep Cut on the Second Section of the DeKalb Division
has been adveiD-d to, and 1 would again suggest the pro
priety of adopting some plan by which the frequent and
heavy avalanches of enrth occurring there, may lie pre
vented. Sustaining walls, with counter arches, appear to
be the mo-t effectual and least expensive plan fer the at
tainment of the above object, and similar structures will he
required at several other points of the road at which the
de bris and abrasions produced bv tains and other causes,
have accumulated large masses of earth and rock. As an
additional und precautionary means to protect the slopes
of the excavations from washes, &c., I would suggest tho
introduction of “Berm drains” on the upper sides of all
the cuts, particularly on those liable to injury from the
above cause.
“ In reference to the abutments and wing walls of the
Pettis Creek Viaduct, a close inspection shortly after the
falling ol the Eastern wing wall, and subsequently, has in
duced the impression, that the wotk was constructed with
very little regard to stability; the thickness of the walls
bearing no adequate proportion to their height, some parts
of the same being composed of two distinct walls or faces,
the intervening spaces filled with loose refuse stone, and
the absence ot any system of headers and stretchers, will
readily account for the derangements which have taken
place in this masonry—in addition to which, the founda
tions do not appear to have been carried sufficiently deep
to ensure a firm at,d unyielding support.
“The wing walls of the Eastern abutment have been
rebuilt and strengthened by introducing buttress or sup
porting wtills, and the Western abutment and wing walls
were iound in snch a tottering state as to endanger the su
perstructure, and instructions have been given for their
removal quite to their foundation. The above is believed
to he the only defective masonry on the Fourth Rpsidencv,
requiring particular comment at this time, and has been
introduced into this Report, to account in part for the ap
parently heavy charges for “repairs.” Another subject
to which 1 would cull your attention, is the deficiency in
width of many of the embankments on the accepted sec
tions of this Residency ; they vary in some instances from
20 to 25 feet in width. This deficiency, I presume, has
resulted from the increased height given to the embank
ments, to compensate for subsidence without having made
the width of the road bed commensurate with this in
creased elevation, and equal to that called for by contract.
Should it be deemed necessary, these embankments may
be enlarged to their appropriate dimensions by the repair
ing party, now on that part of the road, and at a cost much
less than what would he incurred by having the same done
by contract.
“With regard to the repairs of this part of the Rail
road, 1 am happy to inform you, that, notwithstanding the
rains which have inundated many parts of the country,
and from which most of the Railroads in the South have
received great injury, the damage sustained by the Western
und Atlantic Railroad bus been very inconsiderable in
deed. As was to have been expected on the newly formed
embankments, the surfaces and sides of the road bed have
been slightly impaired in some places by settling and abra
sion, and in some of the deep excavation's, large masses of
earth have fallen upon the road bed, but to an extent much
less than what was to have been anticipated.
“ Repairing parties have been actively engaged in re
newing the grades and berm banks, and draining the road
surface, and the whole of this Division is now in a state
which I am confident will, with blit little additional ex
pense, require no further repair during the present season.
“ On a work of the magnitude of this road, those subse
quent and necessary expenditures which have been incurred
for repairs, have been very small when compared with
many.similar works of recent construction in this country,
are common and contingent to all public imp'ovemems,
and of greater or less extent according to their character
and location, and to the situation in which the first efforts
to effect the object leave them.
“ The whole amount of expenditures incurred during the
past Quarter, on this part of the Railroad, comprises, in
addition to the construction und repairs, incidental items
on account of grading and masonry, tbe purchase and de
livery of lime and 2756 gallons of tar; the tar required
for the pavement of the Whetstone and other Viaducts,
and are as follows: For allowances made to contractors
lor removing slips of earth, rock, t£c., from the cuts, in
creasing the width of embankments, raising the grades
and renewing the berm banks, and for the formation of
centre and traasverse drains, for repairs to masonry at the
Whetstone Bridge, and for tarring and sanding the Hooring
of the same, $5,146 93.
“For extra scaffolding at sundry bridges over 30 feet
high; for amount paid to contractors for making crossings
for county and other roads; for masonry executed under
extra contracts ; and for building materials delivered, and
for amount paid for one small culvert on the Seventh Sec
tion of the Third Division, $9,283 41. Ft# grading done
under special contract in the substitution of an open cut
in place of a tunnel at Allatoona, and for an extra em
bankment on the Sixteenth Section of the Second Division,
$8 : 393 76.
“ For amount paid to contractors for grading, See., done
under original contracts, and nt contract prices, $13,999
49, making the sum of $36,823 59, as exhibited in tbe
accompanying Quarterly Return.”
The remarks of Mr. Stockton in reference to defects in
the stone used in the construction of the mason work, are
worthy of particular consideration. Imperfections of the
character alluded to, have been discovered in in a ay of the
quarries from which the stone used on the DeKalb, First
and Second Divisions of the road, has been procured;
when first taken from the quarry, the stone appears per
fectly sound and substantial, but on exposure to the atmos
phere, during a period of a year or more, exhibits sy mp-
toms ot inefficiency by decomposition, disintegratiop, &c.
Among the stones taken from the same quarry, it lias been
found that some ot them appear to resist atmospheric ac
tion, while others are decomposed and crumble.
On the third division, and indeed on all other parts of
the road, except those above enumerated, the stone ap
pears not only of a better consistency, but of a character
in all respects, more favoi able fur construction. The de
fects in the masonry of the I’ettis Creek Bridge, are obvi
ously attributable, either to a want of skill, or to culpable
neglect in the planning and execution of its paits.
The deficiencies in tlie width of the road grades of tho
4th residency, are to be accounted for probably on the
supposition that the Resident Engineer, under whose
direction this poition of the road was graded, misappre
hended the nature and import of the instructions given him.
With regard to the deep cut on the second section of tin
DeKalb Division, I would remark, that as soon as it \\a:
discovered that quick sands and permanent springs of wa
ter were likely to occur in tlie cut, measures were set on
foot for the introduction of a counter arch and side weight
walls to give support and permanency to the grade and
slopes of the cut. But as the work progressed, these in
dications of instability became less formidable, and it was
thought best to complete tlie excavation and afterwards
introduce the counter arch and side walis, should they
then be found necessary. The excessive rains that have
occurred during the winter and spring of the present year,
have injuriously affected this and a few other similar por
tions of the road, and the propriety of remedies like tha
suggested In reference to the deep cut in question, has
been sufficiently demonstrated. Accordingly, I would
advise the sppedy adoption of measures for the introduc
tion of the counter arches and weight walls, as recom
mended by Mr. Stockton, as also the adoption of the seve
ral remedies proposed by him for obviating the other de
fects noticed in his Report.
I11 reference to the 5th and 61 h Residencies, embracing
a distance of about 34 miles, committed to the cate and
supervision of Mr. Whitwell, Resident Engineer, this gen
tleman reports os follows:
“ Of the operations upon the 5th and 6th Residencies,
during the Second Quarter of the current year, and of theii
present condition, I have the honor to lay before you thi
following Repott:
“ Upon the 5th, all the forces ot present engaged ar
now occupied upon the masonry and superstructure of th
Bridges at the Oothcaloga Creek, and 1 regret to say, tha
the masonry ut the lower crossing on tbe Fourth Section
is not advancing with sufficient rapidity to ensure at
equally seasonable completion with the superstructure.—
From the light character of the work, and tbe dryness o-
the season in which the banks were made, ibis portion o
the work has suffered very considerably from the late heavy
rains and fieshets ; in but a few instances, and only upo.
the lightest banks, breaches in the road have occurred no
exceeding in extent 40 or 50 feet.
" The difficulty of ascertaining with perfect precisioi
the high water mark of most of the water courses of tbi
country, and the wide difference in the statements of tb
oldest inhabitants, is too well known to require explana
tion ; it cannot therefore be a subject of much surprise
that in some few cases tho most diligent enquiries an 1
examinations should not have resulted in correct conclu
sions. Before locating the line upon the Fourth Section,
in the low lands of the Oothcaloga creek, information was
sought from every source, but that most relied upon was
received from the oldest Indian and white settlers. In
accordance with their statements, the grade was placed
above vvliat was then considered the extreme high water
mark, but the late heavy ruins have swelled the creek to
snch an extent, as to require an increased elevation of
from 2 to 3 feet, and an addition of about 1600 cubic ya. ds
to the embankment. The25ih and 26th Sections present
places objectionable from the same reasons, which, after
further examinations, it may become necessary to secure
bv an additional elevation. The culverts, with two ex
ceptions, upon the 23d Section of the third, and the 8:h
of the fourth Division, have been found sufficient for a free j
drainage throughout this portion of the line.
“ Upon the Sixth Residency, the framing of the Oosta-
nauley Bridge has been completed, and the raising only
] delayed by the unfinished state of the abutments and piers.
I would respectfully cal! your attention to this subject,
und request that measures may be taken for the immediate
completion of this masonry. By the delay alteadv in
curred, the timber will suffer material injury in its present
exposed state, unless immediately housed to ensure its
preservation. Sections 13, 16, 20 and 23, are the only
sections upon which a force has been engaged; these have
advanced as favorably as could have been anticipated un
der existing circumstances. The entire Residency has
suffered but little damage from the rains, and will require
repairs of a very trifling nature. The grades may be con
sidered sufficiently high, with one exception, upon tiie
Seventeenth Section. Although the Conasauga has never
been known to reach the present grade, it has approached
so near during the late high waters, that I would advise
an elevation of the bank of 1^ feet to guard against all
emergencies. Upon the return of the 20th Section for
the month of June, will be found an extra charge of $32 08;
of this $12 88 was incurred for extra clearing and grub
bing required by an alteration of the line, and $19 20 for
a causeway at the road crossing in the Valley of Swamp
Creek.”
An increased elevation of the road grades in the seve
ral instances adverted to in Mr. Whitweli’s Report, is
undoubtedly advisable. The completion of the abutments,
and piers of tbe Oostanauley Bridge, has been pressed
: upon the. Contractor with much earnestness, but without !
j ef! ’ct. He has signified his intention to abandon the work,
j unless lie can obtain payments as they become due, in
I current money of the State. Instructions have been given
| to re-let the unfinished masonry of this Bridge on the
j terms contemplated in the contract made with the original
i Contractor. As yet, however, no arrangements for the
I completion of the work have been concluded with any but
; the original Contractor. The framing of tlie superstruc
ture having been completed, it will be proper ns suggested
by Mr. Whitwell, to shelter the timber effectually from
the weather.
The filth division of the Railroad, twenty-two miles
long, has been temporarily assigned to Mr. Campbell,
and at present constitutes the serenih Residency.—On this
pait of the road, Mr. Campbell reports us follows:
“The grading of the several sections, with the excep
tion of the 3d, 8th, 12th, 15th and 16th, has been com
menced.
“ The Quarterly return of work done, exhibits an aggre- !
gate of $29,659 24, which in addition to $8,306 98, (the I
amount for the first quarter of 1840.) makes a total of
$37,966 22. If from the above, the return ot the Tunnel j
Section he excluded, there remains $33,728 52, a sum on- ;
ly equal to about l-7tb of the estimated cost ; and when it j
is remembered that half the time gi anted by contract for !
ihe completion of this work has already expired, and a
poition so comparatively small only has been accomplished, I
it is evident that more active and energetic measures j
must he adopted in order to effect its completion by Jan- j
uary, 1841 According to the rate of progress o.ade thus i
far, only a few of the light- r sections can be finished, and
even with large forces upon some of the heavier sections,
it is very questionable whether they cun be accomplished.
These remarks apply with equal force to the masonry.—
To ensure a completion of the work at or near the time spe
cified, the foreps should be augmented immediately to the
requisite number.
“ Since my last quarterly report, in which some allusion
was made to the high waters of streams in whose valleys
the road is located, and winch in many places govern the
elevation of ihe grade line, additional information has been
obtained by the occurrence ot a freshet, greater than any
since that of ihe year 1835, inconsequence of which, some
changes have become necessary.
“ In the Chatogaia Valley, tbe grade has beenelevated 3
feet for a distance of 1500 feet, and that it might coincide
more nearly with the natural surface, the centre line was
moved a short distance to the West, where higher ground
uas obtained. The amount of embankment will, notwith
standing, somewhat exceed the original estimate. The
grade was also found too low along parts of the 11th and
12th Sections, where the line crosses Dogwood Creek.—
It has been raised 2^ feet above tbnt originally adopted,
for a distance of one mile—About $2000 additional expen
ses will be incurred by reason of tliis change. It will be j
recollected that some doubts were entertained, and so ex- i
pressed in my last report, with regard to this particular por- |
tion of tho road—the event has proved that they were well
founded.
“ At the crossing of Chicknmauga Creek, on the2lst
section, one foot additional elevation lias been given. Tho
enhanced cost in consequence of this elevation is verv in
considerable.
“ It was found generally that the freshet of Mav last,
was 18 inches lower than that of 1835, and the grades
having been established with reference to the highest, and j
at an elevation of 3 to 4 ft. above it, we may reasonably |
conclude that the road will not be endunged unless a freshet j
considerably exceeding thut of which we have information,
should occur.
“ The excavations 011 the several Sections, as far as they |
have progressed, consist of the different varieties of nta- j
terial, in about the proportions staled in the original esti
mate of this Division. On some sections, the harder
kinds will considerably overrun, and on others they will
fall short of the amounts assumed as the basis of that esti
mate. In tbe aggregate it is believed that full and am
ple piovision has been made for contingencies of this na
ture.
“ The seventh (Tunnel Section) was entered on by the
contractors in the latter part of April, shortly after which
the excavation of the open cut approaches was commenced.
That upon the Western side of the ridge (being the heavi
est) has been prosecuted with the largest force ; from this
approach 18,306 cubic yards have been removed, 10,000
of which have been conveyed into the adjoining embank
ment, and the remainder deposited in spoil bunks. The
greater portion of this consists of a mixture of clay and
sand, which is easily removed. Apart of that immedi
ately adjacent to the Tunnel, is of a harder nature, the clay
is more indurated, and mixed with large pebbles and occa
sionally, boulders.
“ Fiom the eastern appioarh 2303 cubic yards have
been removed ; 1968 of which hove been placed in embank
ment, and the remainder wasted ; nearly all of this has
Ix-en taken from that end of the cut fartherest removed
from the tunnel. After penetrating to a depth of 3 It. from
the surface, a substance composed of coinentt-d clay and
sand was encountered ; on this tlie plough makes hut little
impression. It is highly probable that this material will
constitute the greater portion of the rut.
“The eastern approach being located in a ravine, receives
the drainage of several acres of ground, and as the rains
for the past two months have been excessive, its progress
lias been considerably impeded from this cause. A large
drain leading from this ravine down along the edge of the
slope is now nearly completed, and w hen finished will ef
fectually exclude the land floods. It may become m ces j
sary to line this drain writh clay to prevent, the filtration of
water through the porous material in which much of it is
excavated. A ditch similar in every respect, is in progress
on the western side.
“ In commencing this extensive work, the erection of
several buildings for the accommodation of a large force,
became necessary. This, of course, reduced the number
of workmen on the section. In view of thiscircumstance
and th*e short space of time in which he has been engaged,
the contractor has made commendable progress. Ho is
now increasing his force by the addition of a number of
white laborers. The efforts of the largest portion yvill be
directed to the removal of the earth in the open cuts near
est the tunnel, in order that a beading may be commenced
as early as possible, and tbat the nature of the material
within the tunnel may be ascertained, so that immediate
preparation can be made fur procuring the requisite
amount of brick and stone for the arch and side walls,
should they be necessary. The contract for this section
provides for the construction of all necessary culverts,
which are to be regarded as extra work. Two square cul
verts will be required on the eastern side of the ridge, and
two arches on the western side, one of 6 feet span and 30
feet long over a valuable spring on the land of Mr. Cox ;
and one of twelve feet chord and 59 feet in length, over
Ward’s branch. The contractor is making preparation for
the execution of this work.
“ Immediately ufter the heavy rains in May last, and
while the streams were swolen. probably to their grentrst
extent, examinations were made with a view to the estab
lishment of culverts of sufficient area to discharge the flood.
Some large and expensive structures will be necessary for
this purpose. Over Ramey’s branch on the 4th section,
a culvert of 16 feel span 85 feet in length; on the 10th
section, one of 8 feet span und 40 feet in length ; on the
19th section, one of 25 feet span over Hurricane creek
and numerous square culverts of double flues over small
streams are required.
“ The two abutments of the bridge over the Chickamau-
ga, near Taylor’s Gap, are nearly completed, and the exe
cution of foundation pits for another bridge 00 tho same
section commenced.
“ Some progress has also been made in the bridge mason
ry on the 21st section. The work in both cases is well
executed.
“ Contracts for culvert masonry at the prescribed rates
have been entered into with the following named persons,
John Kel et for the lltli section; Jesse Jenkins for the
15. 16, 17, 18 and 19th sections; under this contract sev-
| oral culverts have been built ; James Wooddel for the 21st
and 22d sections.
“ The culverts of some sections arc yet undisposed of,
and there seems to be no disposition on the part of con
tractors to undertake them at the prices to which w-e are
limited. In some cases where the grading is in progress,
immediate steps should be taken to ensure the construc
tion of the culverts by which hindrance and delay to tho
contractors for grading will b? prevented. Although gen
erally, work of this nature may be executed at the rates
adopted, yet there are doubtless instances where from the
difficulty of procuring suitable stone, and the state of the
roads over which it must be hauled, these prices are too
low. The great cause cf complaint appears to be that
the allowance for haulage is inadequate. That some pro
vision must he made for these cases is evident. I would
respectfully suggest that the Resident. Engineer be empow
ered to dispose of them at such prices as he may deem rea
sonable.
“ In the return of the present month an allowance of $20
21 is made to J. II. Payne & Co., for an alteration and im
provement ofthe public road where it is intersected by tho
Railroad on the 14th section.”
The obsetvations ot Mr. Campbell, in reference to the
inadequacy of the present force employed on his resi
dency, to complete the work of grading and masonry with
in the contract periods, are worthy of particular attention.
It is obvious that tho contractors cannot make the requsite
progress in their work, without monthly payments punc
tually made in conformity to the stipulations of their con
tracts. It is no less obvious tlml these payments should
he made in a currency equal in value, nt least, to that of
the supposed value of the stock at the time the contracts
wereentored into. It is true that the actual value of the
stock, or its fair rate of exchange was not accurately known
at tbat lime. Ir is no less true, however, that whatevci
its value might have been at that time, it has suffered a de
preciation in consequence of the neglect on the part of the
State to cancel the debt of $300,000, contracted for the
purpose of accommodation loans to the citizens of Geor
gia, and still due to the Phenix Bank of New-Yotk,* un
less cancelled since the 6th of June last. In view- of these
considerations it may he regarded as very qnestionnble
whether tbe Engineer Department have the rightful author
ity to exact ot tiie contractors a rigid compliance with the
stipulations of theircontracts. especially in so far as relates
to the amount of effective force earh contractor must he
required to keep in his employ, in order to accomplish
his work in due time. For the reasons here suggested, as
well as from l-be apparent inability of most, if not all, of the
contractors on the last lettings, no demands have been made
upon them to keep in theiv employ forces equal to those
assessed for tho several sections at the time of concluding
the contracts.
Mr. Campbell’s remarks in regard to increased allow
ances for masonry, on certain portions of the road, are
also entitled to particular consideration. On some parts
ofthe route, stone can he quarried and transported at much
less expense than on others, owing to differences in the
quality and structure of the stone, and to the surface of
country over which it must be conveyed to the work. On
these accounts I should think it fair and advisable, that
the Resident Engineer be "authorised to make such addi
tional compensation for the quarrving and hauling of stone
as he may deem adequate to the reimbursement of any ex
traordinary expense to which the cor ‘ractor may have been
subjected.
The Tennessee division, 10 miles long, has been commit
ted to the charge and direction of Mr. Williams, and is
regarded as the 8th Residency of the Railroad. In refer
ence to this residency, Mr. Williams reports as follows:
“ Tbe accompanying quarterly return exhibits ns the ag
gregate of grading done during the quarter, 15.8S0.3 cubic
yards, and of masonry constructed during the same period,
1,309,4 perches, the total cost of which has been $30,706
72.
“Operations have been commenced on all the sections
of the division, excepting the 5th. 6th, 15th and 16th.—
These, with the exception of tho section at the Chattanooga
terminus, are very light, ami a small force would he ade
quate to their cunpletion within the period fixed by the
contracts. The contractors for the 16th section will com
plete the 14th, upon which thev are now- engaged, in the
course of the present month, and thus" have a force dispo
sable for operating elsewhere. On several sections, where
the force employed is not sufficiently large, the contractors
have been urged to expedite their work, and it is under
stood they are making arrangements to this effect. The
variation from the original estimate of the proportions of
hard material in the excavations, will, from present appear
ances, be a considerable increase of the amount of hardpan
and a great deficiency of rock.
“Tlie masonry for the bridges over Chicknmauga creek,
on the 2d and 3d sections, has not yet been commenced.
This contract was originally awarded to Messrs. Brown A
Booth, and having been relinquishrd by them, has been of
fered for new proposals, in compliance with your instruc
tions. Several bids for the work, at the standard rates,
have been made. The bridge masonry, on the 7th and 8th
sections, comprising some of the heaviest and most impor
tant structures on the line, is, I regret to state, progressing
but slowly. The contractor displays very little energy;
indeed, it is doubtful w hether all he possesses, if exerted,
would be sufficient for thfe successful prosecution of a work
of such importance.”
From the report of Mr. Williams, no doubt appears to
be entertained ns to the ability of the cot,tractors for gra
ding, to eilect a timely completion of their work. The
masonry, however, is so little advanced, und the ability of
the contractor so questionable, lhat a new letting will pro
bably be called for before the work is done.
In reference to the masonry on the line of the rood, it is
but fair to remark, that the work of this sort executed by
Messrs. Wilson & Coltmnn on the first, and by Messrs.
Howard & Co. on the second division, by several of the
contractors on the fourth, mid by many in tlie new lettings,
has been done in a style and manner, arid with a discrimi
nation in the choice, and use of materials, that reflect high
credit on the contractors.
A return of the public property, consisting of car wheels,
rail iron, instruments, &c. employed in the railroad service,
has been omitted at this time, by reason of the various items
of which it is composed being widely distributed on the
line of t/ie road, and most of them in actual use at various
points, in furtherance of contracts not yet fulfilled.
In obedience to the instructions of the Board of Commis
sioners issued at the beginning of the current quarter, pro
posals for weatberboarding the wooden bridges on the line
of the road have been called for, and will be reported to
the Board in due time.
I have recently had an opportunity of witnessing the effi
ciency of the bridge rail recommended in former reports
for adoption on tho W. and A. Railroad, and of consulting
with several experienced engineers in reference to its me
rits. The result of iny observations and inquiry confirms
me in the opinions heretofore expressed in favor of this
rail, nnd in the conviction that it is better adapted for our
railroad, all things considered, than any other description
of rail. T have, moreover, been credibly informed, that
contracts for rails can now be concluded on far more favor
able terms than nt any period within the last year or two.
The cost per ton, delivered at Savannah, will not probably
exceed fifty dollars. Accordingly I take leave again to in
vite the attention of the Board to this important concern.
I would again press upon the attention of the Board, the
propriety of taking early measures in reference to the se
lection of sites for depots, water stations, sidelings, &e.,
and to the planning and construction of warehouses, car
riage houses, work shops, &.c,, heteafter required in con
nexion with the railroad. In relation to works of this na
ture. I would merely remind the Board, that as vet nothing
has been done.
With respect to the southeasterly terminus of the road,
and of the arrangements and accommodations proper to be
had in view, in connexion with this terminus, all matters
touching these points await the action and instructions of
the Board. It is well known lhat tbe toad has been graded
through a distance of about seven miles southeastw ardly
from the Chattahoochee river, and that through this dis
tance the gradients are laid at a uniform ascent of 30 feet
per mile, rising invariably from the Chattahoochee river.
On grades of this acclivity, it is known, moreover, tbat cars,
Ac. will not remain at rest, without being locked or other
wise anchored on the road. Hence, the impropriety of es
tablishing tbe terminus on any part of our present grades
is obvious. By continuing the line a few hundred feet far
ther tow ards Decatur, the ground becomes more favorable
for <1 depot, and continues of this character for a distance
of two or three miles. Accordingly the propriety of con
tinuing tbe line to some site ur terminus more commodious
to the business transactions upon the road, and more ad
vantageous to the State, is respectfully submitted.
On mv late visit to the eastern cities, I was desired by
the Commissioners to make preliminary arrangements, sub
ject to their approval, for the sale of Georgia six percent.
State stock, to an amount not exceeding $800,000, with a
view to facilitate and ensure prompt and adequate pay
ments to the contractors for work done on the road. The
negotiation was set on foot with the express understanding
that the claims in reference to the protested $300,000, due
on the part of the State of Georgia, from the Central Bank
to the Phcenix Bank of New York, at least in part, with .
satisfactory arrangements for the punctual payment of the
residue, had been liquidated.
*It has been erroneously supposed by many that this
debt of $300,000, was contracted by the Commissioners of
the Railroad for the purpose of defraying the expenses of
the Road-
i O' -
the
On inquiring^ the Phoenix Bank, I had the mortifica
tion to learn that no part of the claim had been liquidated
at tho date of my visit; and on further inquiry in reference
to the sale of stock, I received the unwelcome intelligence
1 that the credit of the State of Georgia bad been so far
j prostrated by the failure to cancel the debt in question,
j that her six per cent, stock could not be disposed of with-
i out a sacrifice of some 30 or 40 per cent., while at the
same time, the six per cent, stock of Maryland, with a
I State debt of $15,000,000, was negociated at 98 percent.,
I • s,evv ^»rk 5£ per cent, stocks were disposed of at par.
I Had punctual payments been made on the part of Georgia,
i I have no doubt that sales of her six per cent, stock might
have been effected at such rates that a premium of 0 to 6
j percent., in Georgia currency, might have been realized
! from the sale.
! s uch being the state of things no arrangements of the
1 character prescribed were entered into.
1 In connexion with this state of things, it mav, moreover,
be observed, that the depreciation of the State stock hav-
! ing been occasioned by failure on the part of the State to
I make punctual payment of the debt above mentioned, must
' k _ ract-
lepemiing on payments to be made 111 S aie »tw.
work on the road. In view of the case, moreover,
lepreciation having taken place, not through any fault
of ic conirnctors, but in consequence of neglect on the
pa . of the State, doubts may be fairly entertained as be-
f d estimated, as to the force and vuliditv of anv obliga-
uis laid upon the contractors, binding them to the fulfil-
mer.t of their contracts, as well as to the equitv and justico
ot carrying imo effect >he stipulations providing for their
payment in State stock.
With respect to the administration of the affairs of the
railroad, in so far as relates to the duties and organization
of the Engineer department, and to the construction of the
toad, a brief recapitulation, grounded upon various reports
and other communications heretofore rendered, in refer
ence to tlli'SC sUO'p-Cls. I- 1. clued .q.j.. >.,.| 1.1: . C-
port, especially since the Board of Commissioners have
as ced an exposition of this import.
The rules and regulations adopted hv the Board of Com
missioners, in reference to the railroad service, and prior
to the commencement of its construction, contemplate, in
addition to the Chief Engineer, tlie following functionaries,
viz: a Superintendant of Construction, Assistant Engi
neers, Sub-Assistant Engineers, Surveyors, Assistant Sur
veyors, Clerks or Accountants, purvevors. rod men, chain-
men and axemen; the number of each grade being such as
the exigencies of the services might from time to time re
quire.
3 he second an third article of tho rules and regulations
above cited explain tho nature and extent of the duties re
quired cf the Chief Engineer, nnd confide to him the con
trol of all operations, both in tiie field and in the cabinet,
relatiilg to the construction of the road in all its parts and
appendages; the Chief Engineer being subject, in the dis
charge of bis official duties, to tlie direction and instructions
of the Board of Commissioners.
Tbe fourth article of the rules and regulations invests
the Chief Engineer with the privilege of appointing a Su-
perintendant of Construction from the Assistant Engineers,
and prescribes in general terms the duties of this function
ary, which are to be performed agreeably to instructions
from the Chief Engineer. The same article also provides
for the appointment of the requisite Assistant Superintend-
ants. to be selected also from the Assistant Engineers, with
the assent and approbation of the Chief Engineer.
The fifth atid sixth articles explain in general terms the
duties of tlie Assisiant Engineers and Assistant Superin-
tendants, and require of the latter subserviency to the Su-
perintendant, and of tho whole to the Chief Engineer.
Tiie seventh article provides for the appointment of resi
dent Engineers, from such assistants only as have had act
ual experience in works of construction. The number of
resident Engineers w-as of course undefined, depending in
this respect upon the number of residencies into which the
line of the road under contract might be divided.
The duties of the other functionaries were not defined
! in tho rules and regulations, but were left for designation
| by the Chief Engineer nnd his assistants, acting in the seve
ral capacities just before explained.
Special instructions have been issued from time to time,
by the Chief Engineer, to the subordinate functionaries
above omimernred, which explain more fully the nature of
| their duties, and which are of the following import:
The duties of the Supeiintendant comprise, in addition
to a personal supervision frequently bestowed on all the
work in progress, a special attention to the measurement
of the work done, and to the classification of the materials
wrought upon, a careful collation of the various returns,
setting forth the quantum and character of work done, and
materials delivered therefor; the localities operated upon;
tlie amounts chargeable and payable on account of work
done agreeably to contracts, Ac. Ac. The concluding of
all contracts; the maintenance of good order and a well
regulated police in the camps of the contractors; the pre-
! servationof order and system in carrying on the work, was
{ also included among the appropriate duties of the Snperin-
: tendant’s department.
In order 10 ensure a faithful and efficient performance of
the various duties here contemplated, the employment of
| ouo or more Assistant Superintendents was authorized,
' whose duty it should be to aid in all services of this nature,
j Moreover, the resident Engineers were required, ex officio,
i to act as Assistant Superintendents in reference to all sim
ilar services in their respective residencies.
In addition to the services allotted as above to the Re
sident Engineers, these officers were required to take spe
cial charge of certain portions of the road denominated
Residencies, nnd embracing distances of at least sixteen
miles each, tho extent of each Residency being regulated
as nearly as practicable, in some proportion to the amount
of work required, and to that of the force employed on
the same. The Resident Engineers in their double capa
cities of Engineers and of Assistant Superintendents, were
charged with the special direction and supervision of all
operations in furtherance of the road formation on their
respective Residencies. These operations comprehend
ali revisions of the located lines in so far as relates to any
changes in the deration or width of grades; in the obli
quity of side slopes, Ac.; all demarknlion on the natural
surface for defining tbe widths of cuttings and fillings, as
also for adjusting the grades of the road, in a manner to
preserve the required gradients, due allowance being
made for the settlement and consolidation of all embank
ments, the planning and delineation of culverts, side walls,
Ac., as also of the abutments and piers of bridges, and of
their superstructures of wood, in accordance with prescri
bed forms, together with all demarkatior.s requisite for
j works of this description, and the directions required by
‘ the builders, from time to time, during the progress of
! such works, have been included among the duties of the
Resident Engineers. The re-establishment of demarkations
■ removed or destroyed by the workmen on the road ; the
I inspection of all parts of tbe wotk during its progress; the
I measurement of the work done at the close of each month;
j monthly returns of the same, and reports thereon, at the
i expiration of each month ; and quarterly returns and re-
| ports at the close of each quarter of the year, were also
j required of the Resident Engineers. In performing their
| duties, these officers were required to visit all parts of their
j respective residencies as olten at least as twice a week,
j which made it requisite to inspect daily, at least for five
i miles of the road, and give instructions relative to the
; management and progress of the work on the same.
To aid the Resident Engineers in these multifarious and
| complicated duties, and in numerous other contingent ser-
‘ vices required of them, one or more Assistants from the
; sub-assistant Engineers, two Surveyors, two Assistant-Sur-
1 veyors, and two attendants were assigned to each. Tho
| assistant Resident received all his instructions from the
Principal.,and with the aid of the Surveyors stationed on
the different parts of tbe Residency, together with that of
the attendants, was directed to carry into effect all mea
sures sanctioned and authorized by the resident Engineer.
Each residency was divided into four sub-residencies of at
least four miles each, and each sub-division committed to
the daily inspection and supervision of one of the Survey
ors, w'ho must of course navel outward and return through
n distance of eight miles daily, in order to accomplish the
duties assigned him.
Besides the field duties thus required of the resident En-
I gincer and his subordinates, various office duties of a labo-
1 riousaud intricate nature, claimed no inconsiderable share
; of their attention. These consisted of numerous drawings
in plan and profile, explanatory of tbe mannner in which
the various kinds of work must be executed, and of the
numerous computations on which the monthly and quar
terly estimates must be based ; calculations embracingev-
ery yard of earth, hardpan and rock removed from exca
vations, and every yard deposited in embankments—every
perct of stone laid in mason work; every bushel of lime
employed in the same, and the materials, w hether of stone,
wood, iron, Ac. procured during the munlh or quarter, for
the construction of the road.
The operative force employed en the road, has varied
from one to two thousand, and the distance operated on,
from fiftv to one hundred miles. This force, thus extended,
must be overlooked and directed by the Engineer Depart
ment. Accordingly each sub-division, embracing an extent
offour miles or more, must, on an average, have a force of at
least sixty men upon it, all operating under the supervision
of a single individual of the Department. Yet, notwith
standing the great disparity be ween the directing and
operative forces—a single individual charged with the di
rection of a force of sixty, operating on a distance of
more than four miles at the same time—complaints have
beet) raised against the Department for an alleged super
fluity of its numerical force. The futility of such a charge
is sufficiently evinced by common sense and common ex
perience; by the-former, in the obvious impracticability of
an adequate performance of ali appropriate duties, by a
single individual, charged with the supervision of a force
so large and diffuse; gad by tho latter, in the known dif
ficulty for a single oedfjeer to keep an equal force advan-